Hornets plan to contend

    ASHLAND, Maine — The Hornet boys’ varsity soccer team is coming off a 2013 season where they managed a 7-4-3 regular season, good for third place in Eastern Maine Class D.
The Hornets lost a tough 2-1 contest to Shead of Eastport in the quarterfinals of the tournament, and that very well may have inspired the squad’s returning players.
Coach Mark Stanley is back with a nice mix of returning veterans and exciting newcomers, which should make Ashland a contender once again in the division. Last year’s senior captains, Nicholas Belanger and Tyler Chasse, are gone, and the success of the Hornets will depend in part on who steps up and fills those leadership roles.
For a small school, the Hornets have a great turnout this year as 25 players are on the squad. They will feature a wealth of experience led by a senior class of seven. Those seven will be led by Cody Blair at the striker position. Blair scored 23 goals a year ago, and will undoubtedly get the opponent’s attention from the outset. Blair has skill and quickness which are tough to match up with.
Lane Deabay will see a lot of minutes in the defensive end, while Michael Cook, another defender, will be counted on with his experience and leadership to direct his teammates. Wyatt Condon will play the midfield and has excellent passing skills, while Aaron Sturgeon is a defender who does a great job on balls in the air. Ben Vaughan is a first-year senior who will see action at striker. One of the key players is Mark Chasse. His experience at the defensive midfield will be a key in stopping the top scorers on the opposing teams, while at the same time setting up the offense.
The junior class of six players is led by goalkeeper Tim Tarr. Stanley believes Tarr is “one of the best keepers in the league.” Tarr finished last year with six shutouts and 114 saves and gives the defenders the confidence to play aggressive defense. Jarrett Beaulier plays the wing and brings speed and solid skills to the field. He had four goals and seven assists a year ago and should only get better this year. Alex Lewin plays defense and improved steadily a year ago. He will see quality minutes this season. Airin Harmon is a central defender who will also be a key to the Hornets’ defensive success. Ben Philbrook brings quickness and aggressiveness to the midfield, while Garrett Graham is a fast and fearless defender.
The three sophomores include Lucas Craig, an offensive-minded midfielder, as well as Michael White at striker and Kyle Beaulier, who is helping out off the field as he is unable to participate on it.
A big freshman class of nine athletes should ensure plenty of success in years to come. Rylee Albert, Bailey Clark and Isaiah McIntyre will see action at midfield. Mason Deabay, Parker O’Clair and Alex Kaiser will be featured at striker, while Mason Moro and Drew Condon will be in the defensive end. Stephen Bellanceau is a goalie who will benefit from working behind Tarr. All of these ninth-graders are working hard and should play increasingly bigger roles as the season progresses.
Overall, Stanley is excited about his team’s prospects.
“We have the potential to be a very good team. We are fast, aggressive and exciting with a great mix of experience and youth,” he said. “The team is very well balanced and I believe we will compete with any team in the league.”